Ottawa takes more steps to prevent Air Canada work stoppage
Posted March 12, 2012 4:09 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The federal government is planning to push a back to work bill through the House of Commons, amid fears of a potential Air Canada work stoppage later this week.
The Canada Industrial Relations Board will meet with the union representing the airline’s ground crew and mechanics on Wednesday and the pilots association on Thursday.
The board could wrap up its investigation before March Break is over, meaning the threat of a strike or lockout still looms. Labour Minister Lisa Raitt said a back-to-work bill will make sure flights are not grounded.
“We will take swift action to ensure that Canada’s economic recovery isn’t negatively affected and that Canadians across the country who rely on air services are not unduly impacted,” raitt stated.
The bill is expected to pass within two days.
The New Democrats have vowed to vote against it, calling it an unacceptable attack on a the workers’ right to strike.
